in the dark thread, and by its side the fine white cambric into which it is made; hemp in the skein, and near it the canvass and cordage into which it is fashioned; may here all be seen and admired.

We must not omit to notice the contents of a pound of potatoes, reduced into their different parts as water, starch, woody-fibre, and tissue. It has been said, that clever as it was to separate these parts, it would be a much more clever operation to put them together again. Who could do this? The great variety of potatoes, of early dwarfs, kidneys, champions, and fifty other kinds placed around, will not fail to attract the eye of the visitor.

Here, too, are small slabs of wood-cedar, mahogany, poplar, birch, sycamore, ebony, teak, pine, and walnut, and others whose names are familiar to us; with those which are not so well known, as the mamme-tree, yaru-yaru, and paddle-tree, finely polished, so as to show the texture and grain to advantage.

As we look at these singular and interesting objects, all so orderly arranged, and to be viewed under such favourable circumstances, we ought not to forget that they are all the gifts of our heavenly Father, who has thus kindly provided for his creatures in every part of the earth. He has given to one land a large variety of productions, which supply food, raiment, and a thousand comforts; and to another country, a different order of vegetable gifts, but which are equally suited to those on whom they are bestowed. Then, too, he has imparted to man the wisdom and power which enable him to turn them all to his service

How concerned, then, we should be to render to our God "according to the benefits done unto us."

O hand of bounty, largely spread,
By whom our every want is fed;
Whate'er we touch, or taste, or see,
We owe them all, O Lord, to thee.

The winter evening is now closing upon us, and we must turn our feet homewards; but let us not forget, by the way, the pleasure and instruction we have received from our monthly visits to the Royal Gardens at Kew.

THE ORPHANS.

ONE day a small canoe was drifted by the wind close to a mission station. It was nearly filled with water. A little child was seen attempting to paddle with a stick. Three other little heads appeared. The canoe drove ashore, and Mr. Settee, the resident catechist, took the children in, and found they were orphans. Their mother had lately died, and they had left their father some time before. He had gone ashore with them, and as soon as they had struck a light he lay down and went to sleep, and slept so long that these little ones were afraid to stay alone; so they got into their father's canoe and came away. They said that they tried long to awaken their father, but he would neither speak nor stir. He had died; and the Father of the fatherless committed his orphan children to the care and love of the missionaries. They still remain at a station in Prince Rupert's Land.

THE HAPPY MOTHER.

THE mother is happy, when her sweet babe is born, and when the helpless little thing lies in her bosom, or sleeps quietly in its cradle.

She is happy, when it begins to take notice and return her smile.

She is happy, when it totters over the floor and utters its first word.

She is happy, when the boy trips along by her side, and when the girl sews or reads at her knee.

Happier still is that mother, when she listens to the prayers of her beloved one.

Oh, how happy, when the youth becomes a child of grace!

But happiest of all will she be, when she meets all her children at the right hand of Christ.

BELVOIR CASTLE.

Who has not read, in records free,
Of Belvoir Castle fair to see?

A WORD or two about Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire; for some time or other you may see the place, if you have not visited it already.

Belvoir Castle is one of the most splendid mansions in all England. It stands on a hill that commands a goodly prospect, and the deep green foliage of the forest trees that surround it is lovely to look on.

About eight hundred years ago the standardbearer of William the Conqueror began to build the castle. His name was Robert de Todini. Could he now look on the princely pile, he would not know it again. It is altogether different from what it was.

Again and again the old castle was attacked and taken, and battered and rebuilt. During the civil wars of the Houses of York and Lancaster, it sometimes belonged to one party and sometimes to another; and when king Charles fell out with his parliament it was the same. Many a hard battle has been fought around the castle walls.

Belvoir Castle now belongs to John Henry Manners, duke of Rutland, who has made it what it is at a vast expense. At one time the greater part of it was burned down, at a loss of at least a hundred and twenty thousand pounds; but the duke, notwithstanding his loss, was thankful to God that no lives in his household were lost.

It was a sad sight to see the castle in flames.

The grand staircase was burned, with many of the splendid apartments, and the picture gallery. Fire spares neither roofs nor walls, floors nor furniture, papers nor pictures. It spreads far and wide, ravaging and destroying everything in its course.

In vain the powers of man oppose;
Above the roof the flames arose.

There are arms of different kinds-swords, muskets, and pistols in curious forms-and splendid suits of armour in the entrance hall and narrow passages; and then there are paintings and stained-glass windows in the galleries. The Regent's gallery is rich in splendid furniture, gilt cornices, costly carpetting, inlaid cabinets, crimson couches, and tapestry of the most elegant and sumptuous kind.

The chapel has in it a number of most valuable paintings, and the library is well stored with books. You would not like to be obliged to read them all. The duchess's boudoir has not been used since she died. The strongest castle walls cannot keep out death.

The ball room, the queen's drawing-room, the Chinese apartment, the dining room, and many others, would surprise you; but of all the rooms in Belvoir Castle, the grand saloon is the most magnificent. From the painted ceiling to the carpetted floor there is something on every side to admire: furniture, ornaments, curiosities, miniatures, and paintings. You have crimson and gold always before you; with cabinets adorned with bunches of grapes formed with agates, cornelians, and other stones: while the carpets are beautified with peacocks